83_FR_10878 83 FR 10829 - Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2018

83 FR 10829 - Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2018

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Business-Cooperative Service

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 49 (March 13, 2018)

Page Range10829-10836
FR Document2018-05008

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act to allow potential applicants time to submit applications for financial assistance under Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, and give the Agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year. This NOSA is being issued prior to enactment of full year appropriation for 2018. The Agency will publish the amount of funding received in any continuing resolution or the final appropriations act on its website at https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications- nosas. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the applicant's risk. The REAP has two types of funding assistance: (1) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance, and (2) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants. The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. Eligible renewable energy systems for REAP provide energy from: Wind, solar, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal, or hydrogen derived from these renewable resources. The Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant is available to a unit of State, Tribal, or local government; instrumentality of a State, Tribal, or local government; institution of higher education; rural electric cooperative; a public power entity; or a council, as defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant funds, grantee, will establish a program to assist agricultural producers and rural small businesses with evaluating the energy efficiency and the potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their operations.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 49 (Tuesday, March 13, 2018)
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 13, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10829-10836]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-05008]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Business-Cooperative Service


Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for 
America Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2018

AGENCY: Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (the Agency) Notice of 
Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) is being issued prior to passage of 
a final appropriations act to allow potential applicants time to submit 
applications for financial assistance under Rural Energy for America 
Program (REAP) for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, and give the Agency 
time to process applications within the current fiscal year. This NOSA 
is being issued prior to enactment of full year appropriation for 2018. 
The Agency will publish the amount of funding received in any 
continuing resolution or the final appropriations act on its website at 
https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/notices-solicitation-applications-nosas. Expenses incurred in developing applications will be at the 
applicant's risk.
    The REAP has two types of funding assistance: (1) Renewable Energy 
Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance, and (2) Energy 
Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants.
    The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement 
Assistance provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural 
producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable 
energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their 
operations. Eligible renewable energy systems for REAP provide energy 
from: Wind, solar, renewable biomass (including anaerobic digesters), 
small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal, or hydrogen derived from these 
renewable resources.
    The Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant 
is available to a unit of State, Tribal, or local government; 
instrumentality of a State, Tribal, or local government; institution of 
higher education; rural electric cooperative; a public power entity; or 
a council, as defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant funds, 
grantee, will establish a program to assist agricultural producers and 
rural small businesses with evaluating the energy efficiency and the 
potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their 
operations.

[[Page 10830]]


DATES: See under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The applicable USDA Rural Development 
Energy Coordinator for your respective State, as identified via the 
following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
    For information about this Notice, please contact Maureen Hessel, 
Business Loan and Grant Analyst, USDA Rural Development, Energy 
Division, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 3225, Room 6870, 
Washington, DC, 20250. Telephone: (202) 401-0142. Email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Program Description

    The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps agricultural 
producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and 
consumption and helps meet the Nation's critical energy needs. REAP has 
two types of funding assistance: (1) Renewable Energy Systems and 
Energy Efficiency Improvements Assistance and (2) Energy Audit and 
Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants.
    The Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements 
Assistance provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural 
producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and 
energy efficiency improvements. Eligible renewable energy systems for 
REAP provide energy from: Wind, solar, renewable biomass (including 
anaerobic digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean, geothermal, or 
hydrogen derived from these renewable resources.
    The Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grant 
is available to a unit of State, Tribal, or local government; 
instrumentality of a State, Tribal, or local government; institution of 
higher education; rural electric cooperative; a public power entity; or 
a council, as defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant funds, 
grantee, will establish a program to assist agricultural producers and 
rural small businesses with evaluating the energy efficiency and the 
potential to incorporate renewable energy technologies into their 
operations.
    A. General. Applications for REAP can be submitted any time 
throughout the year. This Notice announces the deadline times and dates 
that applications have to be received in order to be considered for 
REAP funds provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014, (2014 Farm Bill), 
and any appropriated funds that REAP may receive from the appropriation 
for Federal FY 2018 for grants, guaranteed loans, and combined grants 
and guaranteed loans to purchase and install renewable energy systems, 
and make energy efficiency improvements; and for grants to conduct 
energy audits and renewable energy development assistance.
    The Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA) announces the 
acceptance of applications under REAP for Federal FY 2018 for grants, 
guaranteed loans, and combined grants and guaranteed loans for the 
development of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency projects 
as provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill). The 
Notice also announces the acceptance of applications under REAP for 
Federal FY 2018 for energy audit and renewable energy development 
assistance grants as provided by the 2014 Farm Bill.
    The administrative requirements in effect at the time the 
application window closes for a competition will be applicable to each 
type of funding available under REAP and are described in 7 CFR part 
4280, subpart B. In addition to the other provisions of this Notice:
    (1) The provisions specified in 7 CFR 4280.101 through 4280.111 
apply to each funding type described in this Notice.
    (2) The requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.112 through 4280.124 
apply to renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
project grants.
    (3) The requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.125 through 4280.152 
apply to guaranteed loans for renewable energy system and energy 
efficiency improvements projects. For Federal FY 2018, the guarantee 
fee amount is one percent of the guaranteed portion of the loan, and 
the annual renewal fee is one-quarter of 1 percent (0.250 percent) of 
the guaranteed portion of the loan.
    (4) The requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.165 apply to a 
combined grant and guaranteed loan for renewable energy system and 
energy efficiency improvements projects.
    (5) The requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.186 through 4280.196 
apply to energy audit and renewable energy development assistance 
grants.

II. Federal Award Information

    A. Statutory Authority. This program is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 
8107.
    B. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number. 10.868.
    C. Funds Available. This Notice is announcing deadline times and 
dates for applications to be submitted for REAP funds provided by the 
2014 Farm Bill and any appropriated funds that REAP may receive from 
the congressional enactment of a full-year appropriation for Federal FY 
2018. This Notice is being published prior to the congressional 
enactment of a full-year appropriation for Federal FY 2018. The Agency 
will continue to process applications received under this announcement 
and should REAP receive appropriated funds, these funds will be 
announced on the following website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency, and are subject to the same provisions in this Notice.
    To ensure that small projects have a fair opportunity to compete 
for the funding and are consistent with the priorities set forth in the 
statute, the Agency will set-aside not less than 20 percent of the 
Federal FY 2018 funds until June 29, 2018, to fund grants of $20,000 or 
less.
    (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
grant-funds. There will be allocations of grant funds to each Rural 
Development State Office for renewable energy system and energy 
efficiency improvements applications. The State allocations will 
include an allocation for grants of $20,000 or less funds and an 
allocation of grant funds that can be used to fund renewable energy 
system and energy efficiency improvements applications for either 
grants of $20,000 or less or grants of more than $20,000, as well as 
the grant portion of a combination grant and guaranteed loan. These 
funds are commonly referred to as unrestricted grant funds. The funds 
for grants of $20,000 or less can only be used to fund grants 
requesting $20,000 or less, which includes the grant portion of 
combination requests when applicable.
    (2) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements loan 
guarantee funds. Rural Development's National Office will maintain a 
reserve of guaranteed loan funds.
    (3) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
combined grant and guaranteed loan funds. Funding availability for 
combined grant and guaranteed loan applications are outlined in 
paragraphs II.(C)(1) and II.(C)(2) of this Notice.
    (4) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grant 
funds. The amount of funds available for energy audits and renewable 
energy development assistance in Federal FY 2018 will be 4 percent of 
Federal FY 2018 mandatory funds and will be maintained in a National 
Office reserve. Obligations of these funds will take place through 
March 30, 2018. Any

[[Page 10831]]

unobligated balances will be moved to the renewable energy budget 
authority account, and may be utilized in any of the renewable energy 
system and energy efficiency improvements national competitions.
    D. Approximate Number of Awards. The estimated number of awards is 
1,000 based on the historical average grant size and the anticipated 
mandatory funding of $50 million for Federal FY 2018, but will depend 
on the actual amount of funds made available and on the number of 
eligible applicants participating in this program.
    E. Type of Instrument. Grant, guaranteed loan, and grant/guaranteed 
loan combinations.

III. Eligibility Information

    The eligibility requirements for the applicant, borrower, lender, 
and project (as applicable) are clarified in 7 CFR part 4280 subpart B, 
and are summarized in this Notice. Failure to meet the eligibility 
criteria by the time of the competition window may result in the Agency 
reviewing an application, but will preclude the application from 
receiving funding until all eligibility criteria have been met.
    A. Eligible Applicants. This solicitation is for applications from 
agricultural producers and rural small businesses for grants or 
guaranteed loans, or a combination grant and guaranteed loan, for the 
purpose of purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and 
energy efficiency improvements. This solicitation is also for 
applications for Energy Audit or a Renewable Development Assistance 
grants from units of State, Tribal, or local government; 
instrumentalities of a State, Tribal, or local government; institutions 
of higher education; rural electric cooperatives; public power 
entities; and councils, as defined in 16 U.S.C. 3451, which serve 
agricultural producers and rural small businesses. To be eligible for 
the grant portion of the program, an applicant must meet the 
requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.110, and 7 CFR 4280.112, or 7 CFR 
4280.186, as applicable.
    B. Eligible Lenders and Borrowers. To be eligible for the 
guaranteed loan portion of the program, lenders and borrowers must meet 
the eligibility requirements in 7 CFR 4280.125 and 7 CFR 4280.127, as 
applicable.
    C. Eligible Projects. To be eligible for this program, a project 
must meet the eligibility requirements specified in 7 CFR 4280.113, 7 
CFR 4280.128, and 7 CFR 4280.187, as applicable.
    D. Cost Sharing or Matching. The 2014 Farm Bill mandates the 
maximum percentages of funding that REAP can provide. Additional 
clarification is provided in paragraphs IV.E. (1) through (3) of this 
Notice.
    (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
funding. Requests for guaranteed loan and combined grant and guaranteed 
loan will not exceed 75 percent of total eligible project costs, with 
any Federal grant portion not to exceed 25 percent of total eligible 
project costs, whether the grant is part of a combination request or is 
a grant-only.
    (2) Energy audit and renewable energy development funds. Requests 
for the energy audit and renewable energy development assistance 
grants, will indicate that the grantee that conducts energy audits must 
require that, as a condition of providing the energy audit, the 
agricultural producer or rural small business pay at least 25 percent 
of the cost of the energy audit. The Agency recommended practice for on 
farm energy audits, audits for agricultural producers, ranchers, and 
farmers is the American Society of Agricultural and Biological 
Engineers S612 Level II audit. This audit conforms to program standards 
used by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. As per 7 CFR 
4280.110(a), an applicant who has received one or more grants under 
this program must have made satisfactory progress towards completion of 
any previously funded projects before being considered for subsequent 
funding. The Agency interprets satisfactory progress as at least 50 
percent of previous awards expended by January 31, 2018. Those who 
cannot meet this requirement will be determined to be a ``risk'' 
pursuant to 2 CFR 200.205 and may be determined in-eligible for a 
subsequent grant or have special conditions imposed.
    E. Other. Ineligible project costs can be found in 7 CFR 
4280.114(d), 7 CFR 4280.129(f), and 7 CFR 4280.188(c), as applicable. 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Departmental Regulations and Laws 
that contain other compliance requirements are referenced in paragraphs 
VI.B.(1) through (3), and IV.F of this Notice. Applicants who have been 
found to be in violation of applicable Federal statutes will be 
ineligible.

IV. Application and Submission Information

    A. Address to Request Application Package. Application materials 
may be obtained by contacting one of Rural Development's Energy 
Coordinators, as identified via the following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf. In addition, for 
grant applications, applicants may obtain electronic grant applications 
for REAP from www.grants.gov.
    B. Content and Form of Application Submission. Applicants seeking 
to participate in this program must submit applications in accordance 
with this Notice and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B. Applicants must submit 
complete applications by the dates identified in Section IV.C., of this 
Notice, containing all parts necessary for the Agency to determine 
applicant and project eligibility, to score the application, and to 
conduct the technical evaluation, as applicable, in order to be 
considered.
    (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
grant application.
    (a) Information for the required content of a grant application to 
be considered complete is found in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B.
    (i) Grant applications for renewable energy systems and energy 
efficiency improvements projects with total project costs of $80,000 or 
less must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.119.
    (ii) Grant applications for renewable energy systems and energy 
efficiency improvements projects with total project costs of $200,000 
or less, but more than $80,000, must provide information required by 7 
CFR 4280.118.
    (iii) Grant applications for renewable energy systems and energy 
efficiency improvements projects with total project costs of greater 
than $200,000 must provide information required by 7 CFR 4280.117.
    (iv) Grant applications for energy audits or renewable energy 
development assistance grant applications must provide information 
required by 7 CFR 4280.190.
    (b) All grant applications must be submitted either as hard copy to 
the appropriate Rural Development Energy Coordinator in the State in 
which the applicant's proposed project is located, or electronically 
using the Government-wide www.grants.gov website.
    (i) Applicants submitting a grant application as a hard copy must 
submit one original to the appropriate Rural Development Energy 
Coordinator in the State in which the applicant's proposed project is 
located. A list of USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinators is 
available via the following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
    (ii) Applicants submitting a grant application to the Agency via 
www.grants.gov (website) will find information about submitting an 
application electronically through the website, and may download a copy 
of

[[Page 10832]]

the application package to complete it off line, upload and submit the 
completed application, including all necessary assurances and 
certifications, via www.grants.gov. After electronically submitting an 
application through the website, the applicant will receive an 
automated acknowledgement from www.grants.gov that contains a 
www.grants.gov tracking number. USDA Rural Development strongly 
recommends that applicants do not wait until the application deadline 
date to begin the application process through www.grants.gov.
    (c) After successful applicants are notified of the intent to make 
a Federal award, applicants must meet the requirements of 7 CFR 
4280.122 (a) through (h) for the grant agreement to be executed.
    (2) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
guaranteed loan application.
    (a) Information for the content required for a guaranteed loan 
application to be considered complete is found in 7 CFR 4280.137.
    (b) All guaranteed loan applications must be submitted as a hard 
copy to the appropriate Rural Development Energy Coordinator in the 
State in which the applicant's proposed project is located. A list of 
USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinators is available via the 
following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
    (c) After successful applicants are notified of the intent to make 
a Federal award, borrowers must meet the conditions prior to issuance 
of loan note guarantee as outlined in of 7 CFR 4280.142.
    (3) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
combined guaranteed loan and grant application.
    (a) Information for the content required for a combined guaranteed 
loan and grant application to be considered complete is found in 7 CFR 
4280.165(c).
    (b) All combined guaranteed loan and grant applications must be 
submitted as hard copy to the appropriate Rural Development Energy 
Coordinator in the State in which the applicant's proposed project is 
located. A list of USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinators is 
available via the following link: www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
    (c) After successful applicants are notified of the intent to make 
a Federal award, applicants must meet the requirements, including the 
requisite forms and certifications, specified in 7 CFR 4280.117, 
4280.118, 4280.119, and 4280.137, as applicable, for the issuance of a 
grant agreement and loan note guarantee.
    (4) Energy audits or renewable development assistance grant 
applications.
    (a) Grant applications for energy audits or renewable energy 
development assistance must provide the information required by 7 CFR 
4280.190 to be considered a complete application.
    (b) All energy audits or renewable development assistance grant 
applications must be submitted either as hard copy to the appropriate 
Rural Development Energy Coordinator in the State in which the 
applicant's proposed project is located, electronically using the 
Government-wide www.grants.gov website, or via an alternative 
electronic format with electronic signature followed up by providing 
original signatures to the appropriate Rural Development office. 
Instructions for submission of the application can be found at section 
IV.B. of this Notice.
    (c) After successful applicants are notified of the intent to make 
a Federal award, applicants must meet the requirements of 7 CFR 
4280.195 for the grant agreement to be executed.
    5. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and 
System for Award Management (SAM). Unless exempt under 2 CFR 25.110, or 
who have an exception approved by the Federal awarding agency under 2 
CFR 25.110 (d), applicants as applicable are required to:
    (a) Be registered in SAM prior to submitting a grant application; 
which can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free request line at (866) 
705-5711 or online at fedgov.dnb.com/webform.
    (b) Provide a valid DUNS number in its grant or loan application.
    (c) Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current 
information at all times during which it has an active Federal grant 
award or a grant application under consideration by the Agency.
    (d) If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements of 
IV.C. (1) through (3) at the time the Agency is ready to make an award, 
the Agency may determine the applicant is not eligible to receive the 
award.
    C. Submission Dates and Times. Grant applications, guaranteed loan-
only applications, and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications 
for financial assistance provided by the 2014 Farm Bill for Federal FY 
2018, and for appropriated funds that REAP may receive from the 
appropriation for Federal FY 2018, may be submitted at any time on an 
ongoing basis. When an application window closes, the next application 
window opens on the following day. This Notice establishes the deadline 
dates for the applications to be received in order to be considered for 
funding. If an application window falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or 
Federal holiday, the application package is due the next business day. 
An application received after these dates will be considered with other 
applications received in the next application window. In order to be 
considered for funds under this Notice, complete applications must be 
received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office or via 
www.grants.gov. The deadline for applications to be received to be 
considered for funding in Federal FY 2018 are outlined in the following 
paragraphs and also summarized in a table at the end of this section:
    (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
grant applications and combination grant and guaranteed loan 
applications. As per RD Instruction 4280-B Application deadlines for 
Federal FY 2018 grant funds are:
    (a) For applicants requesting a grant only of $20,000 or less or a 
combination grant and guaranteed loan where the grant request is 
$20,000 or less, that wish to have their grant application compete for 
the ``Grants of $20,000 or less set aside,'' complete applications must 
be received no later than:
    (i) 4:30 p.m. local time on October 31, 2017, or
    (ii) 4:30 p.m. local time on April 30, 2018.
    (b) For applicants requesting a grant only of over $20,000 
(unrestricted) or a combination grant and guaranteed loan where the 
grant request is greater than $20,000, complete applications must be 
received no later than 4:30 p.m. local time on April 30, 2018.
    (2) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
guaranteed loan-only applications. Eligible applications will be 
reviewed and processed when received for periodic competitions.
    (3) Energy audits and renewable energy development assistance grant 
applications. Applications must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. 
local time on January 31, 2018.

[[Page 10833]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Application window  Application window
           Application               opening dates       closing dates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Renewable Energy Systems and      April 1, 2017.....  October 31, 2017.
 Energy Efficiency Improvements
 Grants ($20,000 or less grant
 only request or a combination
 grant and guaranteed loan where
 the grant request is $20,000 or
 less competing for up to
 approximately 50 percent of the
 set aside funds).
Renewable Energy Systems and      November 1, 2017..  April 30, 2018*.
 Energy Efficiency Improvements
 Grants ($20,000 or less grant
 only request or a combination
 grant and guaranteed loan where
 the grant request is $20,000 or
 less competing for the
 remaining set aside funds).
Renewable Energy Systems and      April 1, 2017.....  April 30, 2018*.
 Energy Efficiency Improvements
 Grants (Unrestricted grants,
 including combination grant and
 guaranteed loan where the grant
 request is greater than
 $20,000,).
Renewable Energy Systems and      Continuous          Continuous
 Energy Efficiency Improvements    application cycle.  application
 Guaranteed Loans.                                     cycle.
Energy Audit and Renewable        February 1, 2017..  January 31, 2018.
 Energy Development Assistance
 Grants.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Applications received after this date will be considered for the next
  funding cycle in the subsequent Federal FY.

    D. Intergovernmental Review. REAP is not subject to Executive Order 
12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.
    E. Funding Restrictions. The following funding limitations apply to 
applications submitted under this Notice.
    (1) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
projects.
    (a) Applicants can be awarded only one renewable energy system 
grant and one energy efficiency improvement grant in Federal FY 2018.
    (b) For renewable energy system grants, the minimum grant is $2,500 
and the maximum is $500,000. For energy efficiency improvements grants, 
the minimum grant is $1,500 and the maximum grant is $250,000.
    (c) For renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
loan guarantees, the minimum REAP guaranteed loan amount is $5,000 and 
the maximum amount of a guaranteed loan to be provided to a borrower is 
$25 million.
    (d) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
guaranteed loan and grant combination applications. Paragraphs 
IV.E.(1)(b) and (c) of this Notice contain the applicable maximum 
amounts and minimum amounts for grants and guaranteed loans. Requests 
for guaranteed loan and combined grant and guaranteed loan will not 
exceed 75 percent of eligible project costs, with any Federal grant 
portion not to exceed 25 percent of the eligible project costs, whether 
the grant is part of a combination request or is a grant-only.
    (2) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance 
grants.
    (a) Applicants may submit only one energy audit grant application 
and one renewable energy development assistance grant application for 
Federal FY 2018 funds.
    (b) The maximum aggregate amount of energy audit and renewable 
energy development assistance grants awarded to any one recipient under 
this Notice cannot exceed $100,000 for Federal FY 2018.
    (c) The 2014 Farm Bill mandates that the recipient of a grant that 
conducts an energy audit for an agricultural producer or a rural small 
business must require the agricultural producer or rural small business 
to pay at least 25 percent of the cost of the energy audit, which shall 
be retained by the eligible entity for the cost of the audit.
    (3) Maximum grant assistance to an entity. For the purposes of this 
Notice, the maximum amount of grant assistance to an entity will not 
exceed $750,000 for Federal FY 2018 based on the total amount of the 
renewable energy system, energy efficiency improvements, energy audit, 
and renewable energy development assistance grants awarded to an entity 
under REAP.
    F. Other Submission Requirements.
    (1) Environmental information. For the Agency to consider an 
application, the application must include all environmental review 
documents with supporting documentation in accordance with 7 CFR part 
1970. Any required environmental review must be completed prior to 
obligation of funds or the approval of the application. Applicants are 
advised to contact the Agency to determine environmental requirements 
as soon as practicable to ensure adequate review time.
    (2) Felony conviction and tax delinquent status. Corporate 
applicants submitting applications under this Notice must include Form 
AD 3030, ``Representations Regarding Felony Conviction and Tax 
Delinquent Status for Corporate Applicants.'' Corporate applicants who 
receive an award under this Notice will be required to sign Form AD 
3031, ``Assurance Regarding Felony Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status 
for Corporate Applicants.'' Both forms can be found online at http://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3030, and http://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3031.
    (3) Original signatures. USDA Rural Development may request that 
the applicant provide original signatures on forms submitted through 
www.grants.gov at a later date.
    (4) Transparency Act Reporting. All recipients of Federal financial 
assistance are required to report information about first-tier sub-
awards and executive compensation in accordance with 2 CFR part 170. If 
an applicant does not have an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b), the 
applicant must then ensure that they have the necessary processes and 
systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements to receive 
funding.
    (5) Race, ethnicity, and gender. The Agency is requesting that each 
applicant provide race, ethnicity, and gender information about the 
applicant. The information will allow the Agency to evaluate its 
outreach efforts to under-served and under-represented populations. 
Applicants are encouraged to furnish this information with their 
applications, but are not required to do so. An applicant's eligibility 
or the likelihood of receiving an award will not be impacted by 
furnishing or not furnishing this information. However, failure to 
furnish this information may preclude the awarding of State Director 
and Administrator points in Section V.E.(3) of this Notice.

V. Application Review Information

    A. Criteria. In accordance with 7 CFR part 4280 subpart B, the 
application dates published in Section IV.C. of this Notice identify 
the times and dates by which complete applications must be received in 
order to compete for the funds available.
    (1) Renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements 
grant applications. Complete renewable energy systems and energy 
efficiency improvements grant applications are

[[Page 10834]]

eligible to compete in competitions as described in 7 CFR 4280.121.
    (a) Complete renewable energy systems and energy efficiency 
improvements grant applications requesting $20,000 or less are eligible 
to compete in up to five competitions within the Federal FY as 
described in 7 CFR 4280.121(b). If the application remains unfunded 
after the final national office competition for the Federal FY it must 
be withdrawn. Pursuant to the publication of this announcement, all 
complete and eligible applications will be limited to competing in the 
Federal FY that the application was received, versus rolling into the 
following Federal FY, which may result in less than five total 
competitions. This was effective for any application submitted on or 
after April 1, 2017.
    (b) Complete renewable energy systems and energy efficiency 
improvements grant applications, regardless of the amount of funding 
requested are eligible to compete in two competitions a Federal FY--a 
State competition and a national competition as described in 7 CFR 
4280.121(a).
    (2) Renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements 
guaranteed loan applications. Complete guaranteed loan applications are 
eligible for periodic competitions as described in 7 CFR 4280.139(a).
    (3) Renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements 
combined guaranteed loan and grant applications. Complete combined 
guaranteed loan and grant applications with requests of $20,000 or less 
are eligible to compete in up to five competitions within the Federal 
FY as described in 7 CFR 4280.121(b). Combination applications where 
the grant request is greater than $20,000, are eligible to compete in 
two competitions a Federal FY--a State competition and a national 
competition as described in 7 CFR 4280.121(a).
    (4) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grant 
applications. Complete energy audit and renewable energy development 
assistance grants applications are eligible to compete in one national 
competition per Federal FY as described in 7 CFR 4280.193.
    B. Review and Selection Process. All complete applications will be 
scored in accordance with 7 CFR part 4280 subpart B and this section of 
the Notice. Specifically, sections C and D below outline revisions to 
the scoring criteria found in 7 CFR 4280.120.
    (1) Renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements 
grant applications. Renewable energy system and energy efficiency grant 
applications will be scored in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.120 and 
selections will be made in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.121. For grant 
applications requesting greater than $250,000 for renewable energy 
systems, and/or greater than $125,000 for energy efficiency 
improvements a maximum score of 90 points is possible. For grant 
applications requesting $250,000 or less for renewable energy systems 
and/or $125,000 or less for energy efficiency improvements, an 
additional 10 points may be awarded such that a maximum score of 100 
points is possible. Due to the competitive nature of this program, 
applications are competed based on submittal date. The submittal date 
is the date the Agency receives a complete application. The complete 
application date is the date the Agency receives the last piece of 
information that allows the Agency to determine eligibility and to 
score, rank, and compete the application for funding.
    (a) Funds for renewable energy system and energy efficiency 
improvements grants of $20,000 or less will be allocated to the States. 
Eligible applications must be submitted by April 30, 2018, in order to 
be considered for these set-aside funds. Approximately 50 percent of 
these funds will be made available for those complete applications the 
Agency receives by October 31, 2017, and approximately 50 percent of 
the funds for those complete applications the Agency receives by April 
30, 2018. All unused State allocated funds for grants of $20,000 or 
less will be pooled to the National Office.
    (b) Eligible applications received by April 30, 2018, for renewable 
energy system and energy efficiency improvements grants of $20,000 or 
less, that are not funded by State allocations can be submitted to the 
National Office to compete against grant applications of $20,000 or 
less from other States at a national competition. Obligations of these 
funds will take place prior to June 29, 2018.
    (c) Eligible applications for renewable energy system and energy 
efficiency improvements, regardless of the amount of the funding 
request, received by April 30, 2018, can compete for unrestricted grant 
funds. Unrestricted grant funds will be allocated to the States. All 
unused State allocated unrestricted grant funds will be pooled to the 
National Office.
    (d) National unrestricted grant funds for all eligible renewable 
energy system and energy efficiency improvements grant applications 
received by April 30, 2018, which include grants of $20,000 or less, 
that are not funded by State allocations can be submitted to the 
National Office to compete against grant applications from other States 
at a final national competition.
    (2) Renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements 
guaranteed loan applications. Renewable energy systems and energy 
efficiency improvements guaranteed loan applications will be scored in 
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.135 and selections will be made in 
accordance with 7 CFR 4280.139. The National Office will maintain a 
reserve for renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
guaranteed loan funds. Applications will be reviewed and processed when 
received. Those applications that meet the Agency's underwriting 
requirements, are credit worthy, and score a minimum of 40 points will 
compete in national competitions for guaranteed loan funds 
periodically. All unfunded eligible guaranteed loan-only applications 
received that do not score at least 40 points will be competed against 
other guaranteed loan-only applications from other States at a final 
national competition, if the guaranteed loan reserves have not been 
completely depleted, on September 3, 2018. If funds remain after the 
final guaranteed loan-only national competition, the Agency may elect 
to utilize budget authority to fund additional grant-only applications.
    (3) Renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements 
combined grant and guaranteed loan applications. Renewable energy 
systems and energy efficiency improvements combined grant and 
guaranteed loan applications will be scored in accordance with 7 CFR 
4280.120 and selections will be made in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.121. 
For combined grant and guaranteed loan applications requesting grant 
funds of $250,000 or less for renewable energy systems, or $125,000 or 
less for energy efficiency improvements, a maximum score of 100 points 
is possible. For combined grant and guaranteed loan applications 
requesting grant funds of more than $250,000 for renewable energy 
systems, or more than $125,000 for energy efficiency improvements, a 
maximum score of 90 points is possible.
    Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements combined 
grant and guaranteed loan applications will compete with grant-only 
applications for grant funds allocated to their State. If the 
application is ranked high enough to receive State allocated grant 
funds, the State will request funding for the guaranteed loan portion 
of any combined grant and guaranteed

[[Page 10835]]

loan applications from the National Office guaranteed loan reserve, and 
no further competition will be required. All unfunded eligible 
applications for combined grant and guaranteed loan applications that 
are received by April 30, 2018, and that are not funded by State 
allocations can be submitted to the National Office to compete against 
other grant and combined grant and guaranteed loan applications from 
other States at a final national competition.
    (4) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grant 
applications. Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance 
grants will be scored in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.192 and selections 
will be made in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.193. Energy audit and 
renewable energy development assistance grant funds will be maintained 
in a reserve at the National Office. Applications received by January 
31, 2018 will compete for funding at a national competition, based on 
the scoring criteria established under 7 CFR 4280.192. If funds remain 
after the energy audit and renewable energy development assistance 
national competition, the Agency may elect to transfer budget authority 
to fund additional renewable energy system and energy efficiency 
improvements grants from the National Office reserve after pooling.
    C. Size of Agricultural Producer or Rural Small Business.
    The criterion noted in 7 CFR 4280.120 (d) which allows for a 
maximum of 10 points to be awarded based on the size of the Applicant's 
agricultural operation or business concern, as applicable, compared to 
the SBA Small Business size standards categorized by NAICS found in 13 
CFR 121.201, is being removed for applications for renewable energy 
systems or energy efficiency improvements effective as of the date of 
this publication.
    D. State Director and Administrator Points. The criterion noted in 
7 CFR 4280.120(g) allows for the State Director and the Administrator 
to take into consideration paragraphs V.D.(1) through (5) below in the 
awarding of up to 10 points for eligible renewable energy systems and 
energy efficiency improvement grant applications submitted in Federal 
FY 2018:
    (1) May allow for applications for an under-represented technology 
to receive additional points.
    (2) May allow for applications that help achieve geographic 
diversity to receive additional points. This may include priority 
points for smaller grant requests which enhances geographic diversity.
    (3) May allow for applicants who are members of unserved or under-
served populations to receive additional points if one of the following 
criteria are met:
    (a) Owned by a veteran, including but not limited to individuals as 
sole proprietors, members, partners, stockholders, etc., of not less 
than 20 percent. In order to receive points, applicants must provide a 
statement in their applications to indicate that owners of the project 
have veteran status; or
    (b) Owned by a member of a socially-disadvantaged group, which are 
groups whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender 
prejudice because of their identity as members of a group without 
regard to their individual qualities. In order to receive points, the 
application must include a statement to indicate that the owners of the 
project are members of a socially-disadvantaged group.
    (4) May allow for applications that further a Presidential 
initiative, or a Secretary of Agriculture priority, including Federally 
declared disaster areas, to receive additional points.
    (5) The proposed project is located in an impoverished area, has 
experienced long-term population decline, or loss of employment.
    E. Other Submission Requirements. Grant-only applications, 
guaranteed loan-only applications, and combined grant and guaranteed 
loan applications for financial assistance may be submitted at any 
time. In order to be considered for funds, complete applications must 
be received by the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office in 
which the applicant's proposed project is located, or via 
www.grants.gov, as identified in Section IV.C., of this Notice.
    (1) Insufficient funds. If funds are not sufficient to fund the 
total amount of an application:
    (a) For State allocated funds:
    (i) The applicant must be notified that they may accept the 
remaining funds or submit the total request for National Office reserve 
funds available after pooling. If the applicant agrees to lower its 
grant request, the applicant must certify that the purposes of the 
project will be met and provide the remaining total funds needed to 
complete the project.
    (ii) If two or more grant or combination applications have the same 
score and remaining funds in the State allocation are insufficient to 
fully award them, the Agency will notify the applicants that they may 
either accept the proportional amount of funds or submit their total 
request for National Office reserve funds available after pooling. If 
the applicant agrees to lower its grant request, the applicant must 
certify that the purposes of the project will be met and provide the 
remaining total funds needed to complete the project.
    (b) The applicant notification for national funds will depend on 
the competition as follows:
    (i) For an application requesting a grant of $20,000 or less or a 
combination application where the grant amount is $20,000 or less from 
set-aside pooled funds, the applicant must be notified that they may 
accept the remaining funds, or submit the total request to compete in 
the unrestricted state competition. If the applicant agrees to lower 
the grant request, the applicant must certify that the purposes of the 
project will be met and provide the remaining total funds needed to 
complete the project. A declined partial award counts as a competition.
    (ii) For an application requesting a grant of $20,000 or less or a 
combination application where the grant amount is $20,000 or less from 
unrestricted pooled funds, in which this is the final competition or 
for those applications requesting grants of over $20,000 and combined 
grant and guaranteed loan application, the applicant must be notified 
that they may accept the remaining funds or their grant application 
will be withdrawn. If the applicant agrees to lower the grant request, 
the applicant must certify that the purposes of the project will be met 
and provide the remaining total funds needed to complete the project.
    (iii) If two or more grant or combination applications have the 
same score and remaining funds are insufficient to fully award them, 
the Agency will notify the applicants that they may either accept the 
proportional amount of funds or be notified in accordance with 
V.D.(1)(b)(i) or (ii), as applicable.
    (iv) At its discretion, the Agency may instead allow the remaining 
funds to be carried over to the next Federal FY rather than selecting a 
lower scoring application(s) or distributing funds on a pro-rata basis.
    (2) Award considerations. All award considerations will be on a 
discretionary basis. In determining the amount of a renewable energy 
system or energy efficiency improvements grant or loan guarantee, the 
Agency will consider the six criteria specified in 7 CFR 4280.114(e) or 
7 CFR 4280.129(g), as applicable.
    (3) Notification of funding determination. As per 7 CFR 4280.111(c) 
all applicants will be informed in writing by the Agency as to

[[Page 10836]]

the funding determination of the application.

VI. Federal Award Administration Information

    A. Federal Award Notices. The Agency will award and administer 
renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements grants, 
guaranteed loans in accordance with 7 CFR 4280.122, and 7 CFR 4280.139, 
as applicable. The Agency will award and administer the energy audit 
and renewable energy development assistance grants in accordance with 7 
CFR 4280.195. Notification requirements of 7 CFR 4280.111, apply to 
this Notice.
    B. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
    (1) Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination. The Agency will ensure 
that equal opportunity and nondiscrimination requirements are met in 
accordance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et 
seq. and 7 CFR part 15d, Nondiscrimination in Programs and Activities 
Conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Agency will not 
discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, 
national origin, sex, marital status, or age (provided that the 
applicant has the capacity to contract); because all or part of the 
applicant's income derives from any public assistance program; or 
because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the 
Consumer Credit Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
    (2) Civil Rights Compliance. Recipients of grants must comply with 
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., 
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq., and 
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794. This may 
include collection and maintenance of data on the race, sex, and 
national origin of the recipient's membership/ownership and employees. 
These data must be available to conduct compliance reviews in 
accordance with 7 CFR 1901.204.
    (3) Environmental Analysis. Environmental procedures and 
requirements for this subpart are specified in 7 CFR part 1970. 
Prospective applicants are advised to contact the Agency to determine 
environmental requirements as soon as practicable after they decide to 
pursue any form of financial assistance directly or indirectly 
available through the Agency.
    (4) Appeals. A person may seek a review of an Agency decision or 
appeal to the National Appeals Division in accordance with 7 CFR 
4280.105.
    (5) Reporting. Grants, guaranteed loans, combination guaranteed 
loans and grants, and energy audit and energy audit and renewable 
energy development assistance grants that are awarded are required to 
fulfill the reporting requirements as specified in Departmental 
Regulations, the Grant Agreement, and in 7 CFR part 4280 subpart B and 
paragraphs VI.B.(5)(a) through (d) of this Notice.
    (a) Renewable energy system and energy efficiency improvements 
grants that are awarded are required to fulfill the reporting 
requirements as specified in 7 CFR 4280.123.
    (b) Guaranteed loan applications that are awarded are required to 
fulfill the reporting requirements as specified in 7 CFR 4280.143.
    (c) Combined guaranteed loan and grant applications that are 
awarded are required to fulfill the reporting requirements as specified 
in 7 CFR 4280.165(f).
    (d) Energy audit and renewable energy development assistance grants 
grant applications that are awarded are required to fulfill the 
reporting requirements as specified in 7 CFR 4280.196.

VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts

    For further information contact the applicable USDA Rural 
Development Energy Coordinator for your respective State, as identified 
via the following link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
    For information about this Notice, please contact Maureen Hessel, 
Business Loan and Grant Analyst, USDA Rural Development, Energy 
Division, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 3225, Room 6866, 
Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 401-0142. Email: 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

A. Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the 
information collection requirements associated with renewable energy 
system and energy efficiency improvements grants and guaranteed loans, 
as covered in this Notice, have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under OMB Control Number 0570-0050. The 
information collection requirements associated with energy audit and 
renewable energy development assistance grants have also been approved 
by OMB under OMB Control Number 0570-0059.

B. Nondiscrimination Statement

    In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its 
Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or 
administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, 
audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible 
Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 
contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 
Additionally, program information may be made available in languages 
other than English.
    To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA 
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or 
write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 
information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint 
form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA 
by:
    (1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant 
Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 
20250-9410;
    (2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
    (3) Email: [email protected].
    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    Dated: March 7, 2018.
Bette Brand,
Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-05008 Filed 3-12-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-XY-P



                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices                                             10829

                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              methods administered under this                       DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
                                               Title: Generic Clearance for Social                   Generic Clearance will collect
                                             Science and Economics Data Collections                  information from individuals and                      Rural Business-Cooperative Service
                                             on Goods, Services, and Jobs Provided                   groups who seek or benefit from a wide
                                             by Forests and Natural Areas.                                                                                 Notice of Solicitation of Applications
                                                                                                     variety of goods, services, and other
                                               OMB Number: 0596—NEW.                                                                                       for the Rural Energy for America
                                                                                                     values from forests, grasslands, and
                                               Expiration Date of Approval: NEW.                                                                           Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2018
                                               Type of Request: NEW.                                 other natural areas. Any specific study
                                               Abstract: The USDA Forest Service is                  conducted under this Generic ICR will                 AGENCY:  Rural Business-Cooperative
                                             seeking Office of Management and                        be posted for public comment in The                   Service, USDA.
                                             Budget (OMB) approval to collect                        Federal Register for 30 days by the                   ACTION: Notice.
                                             information that will help the Forest                   USDA Forest Service.
                                             Service sustainably manage and provide                                                                        SUMMARY:    The Rural Business-
                                                                                                       Estimate of Annual Burden on
                                             guidance to others about managing the                                                                         Cooperative Service (the Agency) Notice
                                                                                                     Respondents: 9,440 hours/year.                        of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA)
                                             wide range of goods, services, jobs, and
                                             other values that people get from forests,                Type of Respondents: Participants/                  is being issued prior to passage of a final
                                             grasslands, parks, and other natural                    respondents will be individuals, not                  appropriations act to allow potential
                                             areas.                                                  specific entities.                                    applicants time to submit applications
                                               In rural, suburban, and urban parts of                  Estimated Annual Number of                          for financial assistance under Rural
                                             the country, forests, grasslands, and                   Respondents: 60,420 year.                             Energy for America Program (REAP) for
                                             other natural areas provide jobs through:                                                                     Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2018, and give
                                                                                                       Estimated Annual Number of                          the Agency time to process applications
                                             Logging, sawmills, and extraction of
                                                                                                     Responses per Respondent: 1 response/                 within the current fiscal year. This
                                             non-timber forest products; guide
                                             services, hotels, restaurants, and                      respondent is anticipated.                            NOSA is being issued prior to
                                             equipment sales that support outdoor                    Comment is Invited                                    enactment of full year appropriation for
                                             recreation; and natural area restoration                                                                      2018. The Agency will publish the
                                             and management activities. Innovative                     Comment is invited on: (1) Whether                  amount of funding received in any
                                             forest products such as wood-based                      this collection of information is                     continuing resolution or the final
                                             nano-technologies and laminated                         necessary for the stated purposes and                 appropriations act on its website at
                                             timbers are critical to the modern                      the proper performance of the functions               https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/
                                             economies of communities large and                      of the Agency, including whether the                  notices-solicitation-applications-nosas.
                                             small. Forests and natural areas provide                information will have practical or                    Expenses incurred in developing
                                             important ecosystem services such as                    scientific utility; (2) the accuracy of the           applications will be at the applicant’s
                                             clean water and natural flood control                   Agency’s estimate of the burden of the                risk.
                                             and influence other critical economic                   collection of information, including the                 The REAP has two types of funding
                                             factors like home and land values. Time                 validity of the methodology and                       assistance: (1) Renewable Energy
                                             spent in or with a view of trees, forests,              assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance                 Systems and Energy Efficiency
                                             and green spaces can have indirect                                                                            Improvements Assistance, and (2)
                                                                                                     the quality, utility, and clarity of the
                                             economic impacts and provide                                                                                  Energy Audit and Renewable Energy
                                                                                                     information to be collected; and (4)
                                             community benefits by improving                                                                               Development Assistance Grants.
                                                                                                     ways to minimize the burden of the
                                             mental and physical health and well-                                                                             The Renewable Energy Systems and
                                                                                                     collection of information on                          Energy Efficiency Improvement
                                             being.
                                                                                                     respondents, including the use of                     Assistance provides grants and
                                               In addition to the products and
                                             services derived from forests,                          automated, electronic, mechanical, or                 guaranteed loans to agricultural
                                             grasslands, or natural areas, people may                other technological collection                        producers and rural small businesses to
                                             also value and appreciate the natural                   techniques or other forms of information              purchase and install renewable energy
                                             environment itself when they                            technology. The Forest Service will                   systems and make energy efficiency
                                             experience it directly. These                           consider the comments received and                    improvements to their operations.
                                             experiences can have meaningful and                     amend the ICR as appropriate. The final               Eligible renewable energy systems for
                                             direct impacts on quality of life, sense                ICR package will then be submitted to                 REAP provide energy from: Wind, solar,
                                             of self, and sense of community. While                  OMB for review and approval.                          renewable biomass (including anaerobic
                                             such values are sometimes hard for                        All comments received in response to                digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean,
                                             people to express or to quantify, they                  this notice, including names and                      geothermal, or hydrogen derived from
                                             play an important role in how people                    addresses when provided, will be a                    these renewable resources.
                                             respond to natural resource                             matter of public record. Comments will                   The Energy Audit and Renewable
                                             management proposals and actions, and                   be summarized and included in the                     Energy Development Assistance Grant is
                                             can often be at the root of conflict over                                                                     available to a unit of State, Tribal, or
                                                                                                     submission request for final Office of
                                             land management policies and                                                                                  local government; instrumentality of a
                                                                                                     Management and Budget approval.
                                             practices.                                                                                                    State, Tribal, or local government;
                                               Understanding people’s views on                         Dated: February 15, 2018.                           institution of higher education; rural
                                             these goods, services, and values is                    Monica Lear,                                          electric cooperative; a public power
                                             critical to managing forests, grasslands,               Associate Deputy Chief, Research &                    entity; or a council, as defined in 16
amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES




                                             and other natural areas to meet the                     Development.                                          U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant
                                             needs of American citizens—to provide                   [FR Doc. 2018–05006 Filed 3–12–18; 8:45 am]           funds, grantee, will establish a program
                                             the ‘‘greatest good to the greatest                                                                           to assist agricultural producers and rural
                                                                                                     BILLING CODE 3411–15–P
                                             number of people for the longest time’’                                                                       small businesses with evaluating the
                                             as Gifford Pinchot, Founding Chief of                                                                         energy efficiency and the potential to
                                             the Forest Service, described it. Surveys,                                                                    incorporate renewable energy
                                             interviews, focus groups, and related                                                                         technologies into their operations.


                                        VerDate Sep<11>2014   17:47 Mar 12, 2018   Jkt 244001   PO 00000   Frm 00007   Fmt 4703   Sfmt 4703   E:\FR\FM\13MRN1.SGM   13MRN1


                                             10830                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices

                                             DATES: See under SUPPLEMENTARY                          receive from the appropriation for                    Bill and any appropriated funds that
                                             INFORMATION section.                                    Federal FY 2018 for grants, guaranteed                REAP may receive from the
                                             FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      The               loans, and combined grants and                        congressional enactment of a full-year
                                             applicable USDA Rural Development                       guaranteed loans to purchase and install              appropriation for Federal FY 2018. This
                                             Energy Coordinator for your respective                  renewable energy systems, and make                    Notice is being published prior to the
                                             State, as identified via the following                  energy efficiency improvements; and for               congressional enactment of a full-year
                                             link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/                    grants to conduct energy audits and                   appropriation for Federal FY 2018. The
                                             RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.                        renewable energy development                          Agency will continue to process
                                                For information about this Notice,                   assistance.                                           applications received under this
                                             please contact Maureen Hessel,                             The Notice of Solicitation of                      announcement and should REAP
                                             Business Loan and Grant Analyst,                        Applications (NOSA) announces the                     receive appropriated funds, these funds
                                             USDA Rural Development, Energy                          acceptance of applications under REAP                 will be announced on the following
                                             Division, 1400 Independence Avenue                      for Federal FY 2018 for grants,                       website: https://www.rd.usda.gov/
                                             SW, Stop 3225, Room 6870,                               guaranteed loans, and combined grants                 programs-services/rural-energy-america-
                                             Washington, DC, 20250. Telephone:                       and guaranteed loans for the                          program-renewable-energy-systems-
                                             (202) 401–0142. Email:                                  development of renewable energy                       energy-efficiency, and are subject to the
                                             maureen.hessel@wdc.usda.gov.                            systems and energy efficiency projects                same provisions in this Notice.
                                                                                                     as provided by the Agricultural Act of                   To ensure that small projects have a
                                             SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                                                                     2014 (2014 Farm Bill). The Notice also                fair opportunity to compete for the
                                             I. Program Description                                  announces the acceptance of                           funding and are consistent with the
                                                                                                     applications under REAP for Federal FY                priorities set forth in the statute, the
                                                The Rural Energy for America
                                                                                                     2018 for energy audit and renewable                   Agency will set-aside not less than 20
                                             Program (REAP) helps agricultural
                                                                                                     energy development assistance grants as               percent of the Federal FY 2018 funds
                                             producers and rural small businesses
                                                                                                     provided by the 2014 Farm Bill.                       until June 29, 2018, to fund grants of
                                             reduce energy costs and consumption                                                                           $20,000 or less.
                                             and helps meet the Nation’s critical                       The administrative requirements in
                                                                                                     effect at the time the application                       (1) Renewable energy system and
                                             energy needs. REAP has two types of                                                                           energy efficiency improvements grant-
                                             funding assistance: (1) Renewable                       window closes for a competition will be
                                                                                                     applicable to each type of funding                    funds. There will be allocations of grant
                                             Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency                                                                          funds to each Rural Development State
                                             Improvements Assistance and (2)                         available under REAP and are described
                                                                                                     in 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B. In                     Office for renewable energy system and
                                             Energy Audit and Renewable Energy                                                                             energy efficiency improvements
                                             Development Assistance Grants.                          addition to the other provisions of this
                                                                                                     Notice:                                               applications. The State allocations will
                                                The Renewable Energy Systems and                                                                           include an allocation for grants of
                                             Energy Efficiency Improvements                             (1) The provisions specified in 7 CFR
                                                                                                     4280.101 through 4280.111 apply to                    $20,000 or less funds and an allocation
                                             Assistance provides grants and                                                                                of grant funds that can be used to fund
                                             guaranteed loans to agricultural                        each funding type described in this
                                                                                                     Notice.                                               renewable energy system and energy
                                             producers and rural small businesses for                                                                      efficiency improvements applications
                                                                                                        (2) The requirements specified in 7
                                             renewable energy systems and energy                                                                           for either grants of $20,000 or less or
                                                                                                     CFR 4280.112 through 4280.124 apply
                                             efficiency improvements. Eligible                                                                             grants of more than $20,000, as well as
                                                                                                     to renewable energy system and energy
                                             renewable energy systems for REAP                                                                             the grant portion of a combination grant
                                                                                                     efficiency improvements project grants.
                                             provide energy from: Wind, solar,                          (3) The requirements specified in 7                and guaranteed loan. These funds are
                                             renewable biomass (including anaerobic                  CFR 4280.125 through 4280.152 apply                   commonly referred to as unrestricted
                                             digesters), small hydro-electric, ocean,                to guaranteed loans for renewable                     grant funds. The funds for grants of
                                             geothermal, or hydrogen derived from                    energy system and energy efficiency                   $20,000 or less can only be used to fund
                                             these renewable resources.                              improvements projects. For Federal FY                 grants requesting $20,000 or less, which
                                                The Energy Audit and Renewable                       2018, the guarantee fee amount is one                 includes the grant portion of
                                             Energy Development Assistance Grant is                  percent of the guaranteed portion of the              combination requests when applicable.
                                             available to a unit of State, Tribal, or                loan, and the annual renewal fee is one-                 (2) Renewable energy system and
                                             local government; instrumentality of a                  quarter of 1 percent (0.250 percent) of               energy efficiency improvements loan
                                             State, Tribal, or local government;                     the guaranteed portion of the loan.                   guarantee funds. Rural Development’s
                                             institution of higher education; rural                     (4) The requirements specified in 7                National Office will maintain a reserve
                                             electric cooperative; a public power                    CFR 4280.165 apply to a combined grant                of guaranteed loan funds.
                                             entity; or a council, as defined in 16                  and guaranteed loan for renewable                        (3) Renewable energy system and
                                             U.S.C. 3451. The recipient of grant                     energy system and energy efficiency                   energy efficiency improvements
                                             funds, grantee, will establish a program                improvements projects.                                combined grant and guaranteed loan
                                             to assist agricultural producers and rural                 (5) The requirements specified in 7                funds. Funding availability for
                                             small businesses with evaluating the                    CFR 4280.186 through 4280.196 apply                   combined grant and guaranteed loan
                                             energy efficiency and the potential to                  to energy audit and renewable energy                  applications are outlined in paragraphs
                                             incorporate renewable energy                            development assistance grants.                        II.(C)(1) and II.(C)(2) of this Notice.
                                             technologies into their operations.                                                                              (4) Energy audit and renewable energy
                                                A. General. Applications for REAP                    II. Federal Award Information                         development assistance grant funds.
                                             can be submitted any time throughout                       A. Statutory Authority. This program               The amount of funds available for
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                                             the year. This Notice announces the                     is authorized under 7 U.S.C. 8107.                    energy audits and renewable energy
                                             deadline times and dates that                              B. Catalog of Federal Domestic                     development assistance in Federal FY
                                             applications have to be received in                     Assistance (CFDA) Number. 10.868.                     2018 will be 4 percent of Federal FY
                                             order to be considered for REAP funds                      C. Funds Available. This Notice is                 2018 mandatory funds and will be
                                             provided by the Agricultural Act of                     announcing deadline times and dates                   maintained in a National Office reserve.
                                             2014, (2014 Farm Bill), and any                         for applications to be submitted for                  Obligations of these funds will take
                                             appropriated funds that REAP may                        REAP funds provided by the 2014 Farm                  place through March 30, 2018. Any


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices                                            10831

                                             unobligated balances will be moved to                   provide. Additional clarification is                  applicants may obtain electronic grant
                                             the renewable energy budget authority                   provided in paragraphs IV.E. (1) through              applications for REAP from
                                             account, and may be utilized in any of                  (3) of this Notice.                                   www.grants.gov.
                                             the renewable energy system and energy                     (1) Renewable energy system and                       B. Content and Form of Application
                                             efficiency improvements national                        energy efficiency improvements                        Submission. Applicants seeking to
                                             competitions.                                           funding. Requests for guaranteed loan                 participate in this program must submit
                                                D. Approximate Number of Awards.                     and combined grant and guaranteed                     applications in accordance with this
                                             The estimated number of awards is                       loan will not exceed 75 percent of total              Notice and 7 CFR part 4280, subpart B.
                                             1,000 based on the historical average                   eligible project costs, with any Federal              Applicants must submit complete
                                             grant size and the anticipated                          grant portion not to exceed 25 percent                applications by the dates identified in
                                             mandatory funding of $50 million for                    of total eligible project costs, whether              Section IV.C., of this Notice, containing
                                             Federal FY 2018, but will depend on the                 the grant is part of a combination                    all parts necessary for the Agency to
                                             actual amount of funds made available                   request or is a grant-only.                           determine applicant and project
                                             and on the number of eligible applicants                   (2) Energy audit and renewable energy              eligibility, to score the application, and
                                             participating in this program.                          development funds. Requests for the                   to conduct the technical evaluation, as
                                                E. Type of Instrument. Grant,                        energy audit and renewable energy                     applicable, in order to be considered.
                                             guaranteed loan, and grant/guaranteed                   development assistance grants, will                      (1) Renewable energy system and
                                             loan combinations.                                      indicate that the grantee that conducts               energy efficiency improvements grant
                                                                                                     energy audits must require that, as a                 application.
                                             III. Eligibility Information
                                                                                                     condition of providing the energy audit,                 (a) Information for the required
                                                The eligibility requirements for the                 the agricultural producer or rural small              content of a grant application to be
                                             applicant, borrower, lender, and project                business pay at least 25 percent of the               considered complete is found in 7 CFR
                                             (as applicable) are clarified in 7 CFR                  cost of the energy audit. The Agency                  part 4280, subpart B.
                                             part 4280 subpart B, and are                            recommended practice for on farm                         (i) Grant applications for renewable
                                             summarized in this Notice. Failure to                   energy audits, audits for agricultural                energy systems and energy efficiency
                                             meet the eligibility criteria by the time               producers, ranchers, and farmers is the               improvements projects with total project
                                             of the competition window may result                    American Society of Agricultural and                  costs of $80,000 or less must provide
                                             in the Agency reviewing an application,                 Biological Engineers S612 Level II audit.             information required by 7 CFR
                                             but will preclude the application from                  This audit conforms to program                        4280.119.
                                             receiving funding until all eligibility                 standards used by the Natural Resource                   (ii) Grant applications for renewable
                                             criteria have been met.                                 Conservation Service. As per 7 CFR                    energy systems and energy efficiency
                                                A. Eligible Applicants. This                         4280.110(a), an applicant who has                     improvements projects with total project
                                             solicitation is for applications from                   received one or more grants under this                costs of $200,000 or less, but more than
                                             agricultural producers and rural small                  program must have made satisfactory                   $80,000, must provide information
                                             businesses for grants or guaranteed                     progress towards completion of any                    required by 7 CFR 4280.118.
                                             loans, or a combination grant and                       previously funded projects before being                  (iii) Grant applications for renewable
                                             guaranteed loan, for the purpose of                     considered for subsequent funding. The                energy systems and energy efficiency
                                             purchasing and installing renewable                     Agency interprets satisfactory progress               improvements projects with total project
                                             energy systems and energy efficiency                    as at least 50 percent of previous awards             costs of greater than $200,000 must
                                             improvements. This solicitation is also                 expended by January 31, 2018. Those                   provide information required by 7 CFR
                                             for applications for Energy Audit or a                  who cannot meet this requirement will                 4280.117.
                                             Renewable Development Assistance                        be determined to be a ‘‘risk’’ pursuant                  (iv) Grant applications for energy
                                             grants from units of State, Tribal, or                  to 2 CFR 200.205 and may be                           audits or renewable energy development
                                             local government; instrumentalities of a                determined in-eligible for a subsequent               assistance grant applications must
                                             State, Tribal, or local government;                     grant or have special conditions                      provide information required by 7 CFR
                                             institutions of higher education; rural                 imposed.                                              4280.190.
                                             electric cooperatives; public power                        E. Other. Ineligible project costs can                (b) All grant applications must be
                                             entities; and councils, as defined in 16                be found in 7 CFR 4280.114(d), 7 CFR                  submitted either as hard copy to the
                                             U.S.C. 3451, which serve agricultural                   4280.129(f), and 7 CFR 4280.188(c), as                appropriate Rural Development Energy
                                             producers and rural small businesses.                   applicable. The U.S. Department of                    Coordinator in the State in which the
                                             To be eligible for the grant portion of the             Agriculture Departmental Regulations                  applicant’s proposed project is located,
                                             program, an applicant must meet the                     and Laws that contain other compliance                or electronically using the Government-
                                             requirements specified in 7 CFR                         requirements are referenced in                        wide www.grants.gov website.
                                             4280.110, and 7 CFR 4280.112, or 7 CFR                  paragraphs VI.B.(1) through (3), and                     (i) Applicants submitting a grant
                                             4280.186, as applicable.                                IV.F of this Notice. Applicants who                   application as a hard copy must submit
                                                B. Eligible Lenders and Borrowers. To                have been found to be in violation of                 one original to the appropriate Rural
                                             be eligible for the guaranteed loan                     applicable Federal statutes will be                   Development Energy Coordinator in the
                                             portion of the program, lenders and                     ineligible.                                           State in which the applicant’s proposed
                                             borrowers must meet the eligibility                                                                           project is located. A list of USDA Rural
                                                                                                     IV. Application and Submission                        Development Energy Coordinators is
                                             requirements in 7 CFR 4280.125 and 7
                                                                                                     Information                                           available via the following link: https://
                                             CFR 4280.127, as applicable.
                                                C. Eligible Projects. To be eligible for               A. Address to Request Application                   www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_
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                                             this program, a project must meet the                   Package. Application materials may be                 StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
                                             eligibility requirements specified in 7                 obtained by contacting one of Rural                      (ii) Applicants submitting a grant
                                             CFR 4280.113, 7 CFR 4280.128, and 7                     Development’s Energy Coordinators, as                 application to the Agency via
                                             CFR 4280.187, as applicable.                            identified via the following link: https://           www.grants.gov (website) will find
                                                D. Cost Sharing or Matching. The                     www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_                            information about submitting an
                                             2014 Farm Bill mandates the maximum                     StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf. In                       application electronically through the
                                             percentages of funding that REAP can                    addition, for grant applications,                     website, and may download a copy of


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                                             10832                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices

                                             the application package to complete it                  requirements, including the requisite                 financial assistance provided by the
                                             off line, upload and submit the                         forms and certifications, specified in 7              2014 Farm Bill for Federal FY 2018, and
                                             completed application, including all                    CFR 4280.117, 4280.118, 4280.119, and                 for appropriated funds that REAP may
                                             necessary assurances and certifications,                4280.137, as applicable, for the issuance             receive from the appropriation for
                                             via www.grants.gov. After electronically                of a grant agreement and loan note                    Federal FY 2018, may be submitted at
                                             submitting an application through the                   guarantee.                                            any time on an ongoing basis. When an
                                             website, the applicant will receive an                     (4) Energy audits or renewable                     application window closes, the next
                                             automated acknowledgement from                          development assistance grant                          application window opens on the
                                             www.grants.gov that contains a                          applications.                                         following day. This Notice establishes
                                             www.grants.gov tracking number. USDA                       (a) Grant applications for energy                  the deadline dates for the applications
                                             Rural Development strongly                              audits or renewable energy development                to be received in order to be considered
                                             recommends that applicants do not wait                  assistance must provide the information               for funding. If an application window
                                             until the application deadline date to                  required by 7 CFR 4280.190 to be                      falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal
                                             begin the application process through                   considered a complete application.                    holiday, the application package is due
                                             www.grants.gov.                                            (b) All energy audits or renewable                 the next business day. An application
                                               (c) After successful applicants are                   development assistance grant                          received after these dates will be
                                             notified of the intent to make a Federal                applications must be submitted either as              considered with other applications
                                             award, applicants must meet the                         hard copy to the appropriate Rural                    received in the next application
                                             requirements of 7 CFR 4280.122 (a)                      Development Energy Coordinator in the                 window. In order to be considered for
                                             through (h) for the grant agreement to be               State in which the applicant’s proposed               funds under this Notice, complete
                                             executed.                                               project is located, electronically using              applications must be received by the
                                               (2) Renewable energy system and                       the Government-wide www.grants.gov                    appropriate USDA Rural Development
                                             energy efficiency improvements                          website, or via an alternative electronic             State Office or via www.grants.gov. The
                                             guaranteed loan application.                            format with electronic signature                      deadline for applications to be received
                                               (a) Information for the content                       followed up by providing original                     to be considered for funding in Federal
                                             required for a guaranteed loan                          signatures to the appropriate Rural                   FY 2018 are outlined in the following
                                             application to be considered complete is                Development office. Instructions for                  paragraphs and also summarized in a
                                             found in 7 CFR 4280.137.                                submission of the application can be                  table at the end of this section:
                                               (b) All guaranteed loan applications                  found at section IV.B. of this Notice.                   (1) Renewable energy system and
                                             must be submitted as a hard copy to the                    (c) After successful applicants are                energy efficiency improvements grant
                                             appropriate Rural Development Energy                    notified of the intent to make a Federal              applications and combination grant and
                                             Coordinator in the State in which the                   award, applicants must meet the                       guaranteed loan applications. As per
                                             applicant’s proposed project is located.                requirements of 7 CFR 4280.195 for the                RD Instruction 4280–B Application
                                             A list of USDA Rural Development                        grant agreement to be executed.                       deadlines for Federal FY 2018 grant
                                             Energy Coordinators is available via the                   5. Dun and Bradstreet Universal                    funds are:
                                             following link: https://                                Numbering System (DUNS) Number and                       (a) For applicants requesting a grant
                                             www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_                              System for Award Management (SAM).                    only of $20,000 or less or a combination
                                             StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.                            Unless exempt under 2 CFR 25.110, or                  grant and guaranteed loan where the
                                               (c) After successful applicants are                   who have an exception approved by the                 grant request is $20,000 or less, that
                                             notified of the intent to make a Federal                Federal awarding agency under 2 CFR                   wish to have their grant application
                                             award, borrowers must meet the                          25.110 (d), applicants as applicable are              compete for the ‘‘Grants of $20,000 or
                                             conditions prior to issuance of loan note               required to:                                          less set aside,’’ complete applications
                                             guarantee as outlined in of 7 CFR                          (a) Be registered in SAM prior to                  must be received no later than:
                                             4280.142.                                               submitting a grant application; which                    (i) 4:30 p.m. local time on October 31,
                                               (3) Renewable energy system and                       can be obtained at no cost via a toll-free            2017, or
                                             energy efficiency improvements                          request line at (866) 705–5711 or online                 (ii) 4:30 p.m. local time on April 30,
                                             combined guaranteed loan and grant                      at fedgov.dnb.com/webform.                            2018.
                                             application.                                               (b) Provide a valid DUNS number in                    (b) For applicants requesting a grant
                                               (a) Information for the content                       its grant or loan application.                        only of over $20,000 (unrestricted) or a
                                             required for a combined guaranteed loan                    (c) Continue to maintain an active                 combination grant and guaranteed loan
                                             and grant application to be considered                  SAM registration with current                         where the grant request is greater than
                                             complete is found in 7 CFR 4280.165(c).                 information at all times during which it              $20,000, complete applications must be
                                               (b) All combined guaranteed loan and                  has an active Federal grant award or a                received no later than 4:30 p.m. local
                                             grant applications must be submitted as                 grant application under consideration                 time on April 30, 2018.
                                             hard copy to the appropriate Rural                      by the Agency.                                           (2) Renewable energy system and
                                             Development Energy Coordinator in the                      (d) If an applicant has not fully                  energy efficiency improvements
                                             State in which the applicant’s proposed                 complied with the requirements of IV.C.               guaranteed loan-only applications.
                                             project is located. A list of USDA Rural                (1) through (3) at the time the Agency                Eligible applications will be reviewed
                                             Development Energy Coordinators is                      is ready to make an award, the Agency                 and processed when received for
                                             available via the following link:                       may determine the applicant is not                    periodic competitions.
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                                             www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_                              eligible to receive the award.                           (3) Energy audits and renewable
                                             StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.                               C. Submission Dates and Times. Grant               energy development assistance grant
                                               (c) After successful applicants are                   applications, guaranteed loan-only                    applications. Applications must be
                                             notified of the intent to make a Federal                applications, and combined grant and                  received no later than 4:30 p.m. local
                                             award, applicants must meet the                         guaranteed loan applications for                      time on January 31, 2018.




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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices                                                       10833

                                                                                                                                                           Application window              Application window
                                                                                            Application                                                      opening dates                   closing dates

                                             Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants ($20,000 or less                         April 1, 2017 ...............   October 31, 2017.
                                               grant only request or a combination grant and guaranteed loan where the grant request is
                                               $20,000 or less competing for up to approximately 50 percent of the set aside funds).
                                             Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants ($20,000 or less                         November 1, 2017 ......         April 30, 2018*.
                                               grant only request or a combination grant and guaranteed loan where the grant request is
                                               $20,000 or less competing for the remaining set aside funds).
                                             Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants (Unrestricted                            April 1, 2017 ...............   April 30, 2018*.
                                               grants, including combination grant and guaranteed loan where the grant request is greater
                                               than $20,000,).
                                             Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Guaranteed Loans .............                  Continuous application          Continuous application
                                                                                                                                                           cycle.                          cycle.
                                             Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance Grants .....................................       February 1, 2017 ........       January 31, 2018.
                                                * Applications received after this date will be considered for the next funding cycle in the subsequent Federal FY.


                                                D. Intergovernmental Review. REAP is                 development assistance grants awarded                 and http://www.ocio.usda.gov/
                                             not subject to Executive Order 12372,                   to any one recipient under this Notice                document/ad3031.
                                             Intergovernmental Review of Federal                     cannot exceed $100,000 for Federal FY                    (3) Original signatures. USDA Rural
                                             Programs.                                               2018.                                                 Development may request that the
                                                E. Funding Restrictions. The                            (c) The 2014 Farm Bill mandates that               applicant provide original signatures on
                                             following funding limitations apply to                  the recipient of a grant that conducts an             forms submitted through
                                             applications submitted under this                       energy audit for an agricultural                      www.grants.gov at a later date.
                                             Notice.                                                 producer or a rural small business must                  (4) Transparency Act Reporting. All
                                                (1) Renewable energy system and                      require the agricultural producer or                  recipients of Federal financial assistance
                                             energy efficiency improvements                          rural small business to pay at least 25               are required to report information about
                                             projects.                                               percent of the cost of the energy audit,              first-tier sub-awards and executive
                                                (a) Applicants can be awarded only                   which shall be retained by the eligible               compensation in accordance with 2 CFR
                                             one renewable energy system grant and                   entity for the cost of the audit.                     part 170. If an applicant does not have
                                             one energy efficiency improvement                          (3) Maximum grant assistance to an
                                                                                                                                                           an exception under 2 CFR 170.110(b),
                                             grant in Federal FY 2018.                               entity. For the purposes of this Notice,
                                                                                                                                                           the applicant must then ensure that they
                                                (b) For renewable energy system                      the maximum amount of grant
                                                                                                                                                           have the necessary processes and
                                             grants, the minimum grant is $2,500 and                 assistance to an entity will not exceed
                                                                                                                                                           systems in place to comply with the
                                             the maximum is $500,000. For energy                     $750,000 for Federal FY 2018 based on
                                                                                                                                                           reporting requirements to receive
                                             efficiency improvements grants, the                     the total amount of the renewable
                                                                                                                                                           funding.
                                             minimum grant is $1,500 and the                         energy system, energy efficiency
                                             maximum grant is $250,000.                              improvements, energy audit, and                          (5) Race, ethnicity, and gender. The
                                                (c) For renewable energy system and                  renewable energy development                          Agency is requesting that each applicant
                                             energy efficiency improvements loan                     assistance grants awarded to an entity                provide race, ethnicity, and gender
                                             guarantees, the minimum REAP                            under REAP.                                           information about the applicant. The
                                             guaranteed loan amount is $5,000 and                       F. Other Submission Requirements.                  information will allow the Agency to
                                             the maximum amount of a guaranteed                         (1) Environmental information. For                 evaluate its outreach efforts to under-
                                             loan to be provided to a borrower is $25                the Agency to consider an application,                served and under-represented
                                             million.                                                the application must include all                      populations. Applicants are encouraged
                                                (d) Renewable energy system and                      environmental review documents with                   to furnish this information with their
                                             energy efficiency improvements                          supporting documentation in                           applications, but are not required to do
                                             guaranteed loan and grant combination                   accordance with 7 CFR part 1970. Any                  so. An applicant’s eligibility or the
                                             applications. Paragraphs IV.E.(1)(b) and                required environmental review must be                 likelihood of receiving an award will
                                             (c) of this Notice contain the applicable               completed prior to obligation of funds                not be impacted by furnishing or not
                                             maximum amounts and minimum                             or the approval of the application.                   furnishing this information. However,
                                             amounts for grants and guaranteed                       Applicants are advised to contact the                 failure to furnish this information may
                                             loans. Requests for guaranteed loan and                 Agency to determine environmental                     preclude the awarding of State Director
                                             combined grant and guaranteed loan                      requirements as soon as practicable to                and Administrator points in Section
                                             will not exceed 75 percent of eligible                  ensure adequate review time.                          V.E.(3) of this Notice.
                                             project costs, with any Federal grant                      (2) Felony conviction and tax                      V. Application Review Information
                                             portion not to exceed 25 percent of the                 delinquent status. Corporate applicants
                                             eligible project costs, whether the grant               submitting applications under this                      A. Criteria. In accordance with 7 CFR
                                             is part of a combination request or is a                Notice must include Form AD 3030,                     part 4280 subpart B, the application
                                             grant-only.                                             ‘‘Representations Regarding Felony                    dates published in Section IV.C. of this
                                                (2) Energy audit and renewable energy                Conviction and Tax Delinquent Status                  Notice identify the times and dates by
                                             development assistance grants.                          for Corporate Applicants.’’ Corporate                 which complete applications must be
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                                                (a) Applicants may submit only one                   applicants who receive an award under                 received in order to compete for the
                                             energy audit grant application and one                  this Notice will be required to sign Form             funds available.
                                             renewable energy development                            AD 3031, ‘‘Assurance Regarding Felony                   (1) Renewable energy systems and
                                             assistance grant application for Federal                Conviction or Tax Delinquent Status for               energy efficiency improvements grant
                                             FY 2018 funds.                                          Corporate Applicants.’’ Both forms can                applications. Complete renewable
                                                (b) The maximum aggregate amount of                  be found online at http://                            energy systems and energy efficiency
                                             energy audit and renewable energy                       www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad3030,                    improvements grant applications are


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                                             10834                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices

                                             eligible to compete in competitions as                  and energy efficiency grant applications              or less, that are not funded by State
                                             described in 7 CFR 4280.121.                            will be scored in accordance with 7 CFR               allocations can be submitted to the
                                                (a) Complete renewable energy                        4280.120 and selections will be made in               National Office to compete against grant
                                             systems and energy efficiency                           accordance with 7 CFR 4280.121. For                   applications from other States at a final
                                             improvements grant applications                         grant applications requesting greater                 national competition.
                                             requesting $20,000 or less are eligible to              than $250,000 for renewable energy                       (2) Renewable energy systems and
                                             compete in up to five competitions                      systems, and/or greater than $125,000                 energy efficiency improvements
                                             within the Federal FY as described in 7                 for energy efficiency improvements a                  guaranteed loan applications.
                                             CFR 4280.121(b). If the application                     maximum score of 90 points is possible.               Renewable energy systems and energy
                                             remains unfunded after the final                        For grant applications requesting                     efficiency improvements guaranteed
                                             national office competition for the                     $250,000 or less for renewable energy                 loan applications will be scored in
                                             Federal FY it must be withdrawn.                        systems and/or $125,000 or less for                   accordance with 7 CFR 4280.135 and
                                             Pursuant to the publication of this                     energy efficiency improvements, an                    selections will be made in accordance
                                             announcement, all complete and                          additional 10 points may be awarded                   with 7 CFR 4280.139. The National
                                             eligible applications will be limited to                such that a maximum score of 100                      Office will maintain a reserve for
                                             competing in the Federal FY that the                    points is possible. Due to the                        renewable energy system and energy
                                             application was received, versus rolling                competitive nature of this program,                   efficiency improvements guaranteed
                                             into the following Federal FY, which                    applications are competed based on                    loan funds. Applications will be
                                             may result in less than five total                      submittal date. The submittal date is the             reviewed and processed when received.
                                             competitions. This was effective for any                date the Agency receives a complete                   Those applications that meet the
                                             application submitted on or after April                 application. The complete application                 Agency’s underwriting requirements,
                                             1, 2017.                                                date is the date the Agency receives the              are credit worthy, and score a minimum
                                                (b) Complete renewable energy                        last piece of information that allows the             of 40 points will compete in national
                                             systems and energy efficiency                           Agency to determine eligibility and to                competitions for guaranteed loan funds
                                             improvements grant applications,                        score, rank, and compete the application              periodically. All unfunded eligible
                                             regardless of the amount of funding                     for funding.                                          guaranteed loan-only applications
                                             requested are eligible to compete in two                   (a) Funds for renewable energy system              received that do not score at least 40
                                             competitions a Federal FY—a State                       and energy efficiency improvements                    points will be competed against other
                                             competition and a national competition                  grants of $20,000 or less will be                     guaranteed loan-only applications from
                                             as described in 7 CFR 4280.121(a).                      allocated to the States. Eligible                     other States at a final national
                                                (2) Renewable energy systems and                     applications must be submitted by April               competition, if the guaranteed loan
                                             energy efficiency improvements                          30, 2018, in order to be considered for               reserves have not been completely
                                             guaranteed loan applications. Complete                  these set-aside funds. Approximately 50               depleted, on September 3, 2018. If funds
                                             guaranteed loan applications are eligible               percent of these funds will be made                   remain after the final guaranteed loan-
                                             for periodic competitions as described                  available for those complete                          only national competition, the Agency
                                             in 7 CFR 4280.139(a).                                   applications the Agency receives by                   may elect to utilize budget authority to
                                                (3) Renewable energy systems and                     October 31, 2017, and approximately 50                fund additional grant-only applications.
                                             energy efficiency improvements                          percent of the funds for those complete                  (3) Renewable energy systems and
                                             combined guaranteed loan and grant                      applications the Agency receives by                   energy efficiency improvements
                                             applications. Complete combined                         April 30, 2018. All unused State                      combined grant and guaranteed loan
                                             guaranteed loan and grant applications                  allocated funds for grants of $20,000 or              applications. Renewable energy systems
                                             with requests of $20,000 or less are                    less will be pooled to the National                   and energy efficiency improvements
                                             eligible to compete in up to five                       Office.                                               combined grant and guaranteed loan
                                             competitions within the Federal FY as                      (b) Eligible applications received by              applications will be scored in
                                             described in 7 CFR 4280.121(b).                         April 30, 2018, for renewable energy                  accordance with 7 CFR 4280.120 and
                                             Combination applications where the                      system and energy efficiency                          selections will be made in accordance
                                             grant request is greater than $20,000, are              improvements grants of $20,000 or less,               with 7 CFR 4280.121. For combined
                                             eligible to compete in two competitions                 that are not funded by State allocations              grant and guaranteed loan applications
                                             a Federal FY—a State competition and                    can be submitted to the National Office               requesting grant funds of $250,000 or
                                             a national competition as described in 7                to compete against grant applications of              less for renewable energy systems, or
                                             CFR 4280.121(a).                                        $20,000 or less from other States at a                $125,000 or less for energy efficiency
                                                (4) Energy audit and renewable energy                national competition. Obligations of                  improvements, a maximum score of 100
                                             development assistance grant                            these funds will take place prior to June             points is possible. For combined grant
                                             applications. Complete energy audit and                 29, 2018.                                             and guaranteed loan applications
                                             renewable energy development                               (c) Eligible applications for renewable            requesting grant funds of more than
                                             assistance grants applications are                      energy system and energy efficiency                   $250,000 for renewable energy systems,
                                             eligible to compete in one national                     improvements, regardless of the amount                or more than $125,000 for energy
                                             competition per Federal FY as described                 of the funding request, received by April             efficiency improvements, a maximum
                                             in 7 CFR 4280.193.                                      30, 2018, can compete for unrestricted                score of 90 points is possible.
                                                B. Review and Selection Process. All                 grant funds. Unrestricted grant funds                    Renewable energy system and energy
                                             complete applications will be scored in                 will be allocated to the States. All                  efficiency improvements combined
                                             accordance with 7 CFR part 4280                         unused State allocated unrestricted                   grant and guaranteed loan applications
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                                             subpart B and this section of the Notice.               grant funds will be pooled to the                     will compete with grant-only
                                             Specifically, sections C and D below                    National Office.                                      applications for grant funds allocated to
                                             outline revisions to the scoring criteria                  (d) National unrestricted grant funds              their State. If the application is ranked
                                             found in 7 CFR 4280.120.                                for all eligible renewable energy system              high enough to receive State allocated
                                                (1) Renewable energy systems and                     and energy efficiency improvements                    grant funds, the State will request
                                             energy efficiency improvements grant                    grant applications received by April 30,              funding for the guaranteed loan portion
                                             applications. Renewable energy system                   2018, which include grants of $20,000                 of any combined grant and guaranteed


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                                                                           Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices                                           10835

                                             loan applications from the National                        (3) May allow for applicants who are               pooling. If the applicant agrees to lower
                                             Office guaranteed loan reserve, and no                  members of unserved or under-served                   its grant request, the applicant must
                                             further competition will be required. All               populations to receive additional points              certify that the purposes of the project
                                             unfunded eligible applications for                      if one of the following criteria are met:             will be met and provide the remaining
                                             combined grant and guaranteed loan                         (a) Owned by a veteran, including but              total funds needed to complete the
                                             applications that are received by April                 not limited to individuals as sole                    project.
                                             30, 2018, and that are not funded by                    proprietors, members, partners,                          (b) The applicant notification for
                                             State allocations can be submitted to the               stockholders, etc., of not less than 20               national funds will depend on the
                                             National Office to compete against other                percent. In order to receive points,                  competition as follows:
                                             grant and combined grant and                            applicants must provide a statement in                   (i) For an application requesting a
                                             guaranteed loan applications from other                 their applications to indicate that                   grant of $20,000 or less or a combination
                                             States at a final national competition.                 owners of the project have veteran                    application where the grant amount is
                                                (4) Energy audit and renewable energy                status; or                                            $20,000 or less from set-aside pooled
                                             development assistance grant                               (b) Owned by a member of a socially-               funds, the applicant must be notified
                                             applications. Energy audit and                          disadvantaged group, which are groups                 that they may accept the remaining
                                             renewable energy development                            whose members have been subjected to                  funds, or submit the total request to
                                             assistance grants will be scored in                     racial, ethnic, or gender prejudice                   compete in the unrestricted state
                                             accordance with 7 CFR 4280.192 and                      because of their identity as members of               competition. If the applicant agrees to
                                             selections will be made in accordance                   a group without regard to their                       lower the grant request, the applicant
                                             with 7 CFR 4280.193. Energy audit and                   individual qualities. In order to receive             must certify that the purposes of the
                                             renewable energy development                            points, the application must include a                project will be met and provide the
                                             assistance grant funds will be                          statement to indicate that the owners of              remaining total funds needed to
                                             maintained in a reserve at the National                 the project are members of a socially-                complete the project. A declined partial
                                             Office. Applications received by January                disadvantaged group.                                  award counts as a competition.
                                             31, 2018 will compete for funding at a                     (4) May allow for applications that                   (ii) For an application requesting a
                                             national competition, based on the                      further a Presidential initiative, or a               grant of $20,000 or less or a combination
                                             scoring criteria established under 7 CFR                Secretary of Agriculture priority,                    application where the grant amount is
                                             4280.192. If funds remain after the                     including Federally declared disaster                 $20,000 or less from unrestricted pooled
                                             energy audit and renewable energy                       areas, to receive additional points.                  funds, in which this is the final
                                             development assistance national                            (5) The proposed project is located in             competition or for those applications
                                             competition, the Agency may elect to                    an impoverished area, has experienced                 requesting grants of over $20,000 and
                                             transfer budget authority to fund                       long-term population decline, or loss of              combined grant and guaranteed loan
                                             additional renewable energy system and                  employment.                                           application, the applicant must be
                                             energy efficiency improvements grants                      E. Other Submission Requirements.                  notified that they may accept the
                                             from the National Office reserve after                  Grant-only applications, guaranteed                   remaining funds or their grant
                                             pooling.                                                loan-only applications, and combined                  application will be withdrawn. If the
                                                C. Size of Agricultural Producer or                  grant and guaranteed loan applications                applicant agrees to lower the grant
                                             Rural Small Business.                                   for financial assistance may be                       request, the applicant must certify that
                                                The criterion noted in 7 CFR 4280.120                submitted at any time. In order to be                 the purposes of the project will be met
                                             (d) which allows for a maximum of 10                    considered for funds, complete                        and provide the remaining total funds
                                             points to be awarded based on the size                  applications must be received by the                  needed to complete the project.
                                             of the Applicant’s agricultural operation               appropriate USDA Rural Development                       (iii) If two or more grant or
                                             or business concern, as applicable,                     State Office in which the applicant’s                 combination applications have the same
                                             compared to the SBA Small Business                      proposed project is located, or via                   score and remaining funds are
                                             size standards categorized by NAICS                     www.grants.gov, as identified in Section              insufficient to fully award them, the
                                             found in 13 CFR 121.201, is being                       IV.C., of this Notice.                                Agency will notify the applicants that
                                             removed for applications for renewable                     (1) Insufficient funds. If funds are not           they may either accept the proportional
                                             energy systems or energy efficiency                     sufficient to fund the total amount of an             amount of funds or be notified in
                                             improvements effective as of the date of                application:                                          accordance with V.D.(1)(b)(i) or (ii), as
                                             this publication.                                          (a) For State allocated funds:                     applicable.
                                                D. State Director and Administrator                     (i) The applicant must be notified that               (iv) At its discretion, the Agency may
                                             Points. The criterion noted in 7 CFR                    they may accept the remaining funds or                instead allow the remaining funds to be
                                             4280.120(g) allows for the State Director               submit the total request for National                 carried over to the next Federal FY
                                             and the Administrator to take into                      Office reserve funds available after                  rather than selecting a lower scoring
                                             consideration paragraphs V.D.(1)                        pooling. If the applicant agrees to lower             application(s) or distributing funds on a
                                             through (5) below in the awarding of up                 its grant request, the applicant must                 pro-rata basis.
                                             to 10 points for eligible renewable                     certify that the purposes of the project                 (2) Award considerations. All award
                                             energy systems and energy efficiency                    will be met and provide the remaining                 considerations will be on a
                                             improvement grant applications                          total funds needed to complete the                    discretionary basis. In determining the
                                             submitted in Federal FY 2018:                           project.                                              amount of a renewable energy system or
                                                (1) May allow for applications for an                   (ii) If two or more grant or                       energy efficiency improvements grant or
                                             under-represented technology to receive                 combination applications have the same                loan guarantee, the Agency will
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                                             additional points.                                      score and remaining funds in the State                consider the six criteria specified in 7
                                                (2) May allow for applications that                  allocation are insufficient to fully award            CFR 4280.114(e) or 7 CFR 4280.129(g),
                                             help achieve geographic diversity to                    them, the Agency will notify the                      as applicable.
                                             receive additional points. This may                     applicants that they may either accept                   (3) Notification of funding
                                             include priority points for smaller grant               the proportional amount of funds or                   determination. As per 7 CFR
                                             requests which enhances geographic                      submit their total request for National               4280.111(c) all applicants will be
                                             diversity.                                              Office reserve funds available after                  informed in writing by the Agency as to


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                                             10836                         Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 49 / Tuesday, March 13, 2018 / Notices

                                             the funding determination of the                        to the National Appeals Division in                   been approved by OMB under OMB
                                             application.                                            accordance with 7 CFR 4280.105.                       Control Number 0570–0059.
                                             VI. Federal Award Administration                          (5) Reporting. Grants, guaranteed                   B. Nondiscrimination Statement
                                             Information                                             loans, combination guaranteed loans
                                                                                                     and grants, and energy audit and energy                  In accordance with Federal civil
                                                A. Federal Award Notices. The                        audit and renewable energy                            rights law and U.S. Department of
                                             Agency will award and administer                        development assistance grants that are                Agriculture (USDA) civil rights
                                             renewable energy system and energy                      awarded are required to fulfill the                   regulations and policies, the USDA, its
                                             efficiency improvements grants,                         reporting requirements as specified in                Agencies, offices, and employees, and
                                             guaranteed loans in accordance with 7                   Departmental Regulations, the Grant                   institutions participating in or
                                             CFR 4280.122, and 7 CFR 4280.139, as                    Agreement, and in 7 CFR part 4280                     administering USDA programs are
                                             applicable. The Agency will award and                   subpart B and paragraphs VI.B.(5)(a)                  prohibited from discriminating based on
                                             administer the energy audit and                         through (d) of this Notice.                           race, color, national origin, religion, sex,
                                             renewable energy development                              (a) Renewable energy system and                     gender identity (including gender
                                             assistance grants in accordance with 7                  energy efficiency improvements grants                 expression), sexual orientation,
                                             CFR 4280.195. Notification                              that are awarded are required to fulfill
                                             requirements of 7 CFR 4280.111, apply                                                                         disability, age, marital status, family/
                                                                                                     the reporting requirements as specified               parental status, income derived from a
                                             to this Notice.                                         in 7 CFR 4280.123.                                    public assistance program, political
                                                B. Administrative and National Policy                  (b) Guaranteed loan applications that               beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior
                                             Requirements.                                           are awarded are required to fulfill the               civil rights activity, in any program or
                                                (1) Equal Opportunity and                            reporting requirements as specified in 7              activity conducted or funded by USDA
                                             Nondiscrimination. The Agency will                      CFR 4280.143.                                         (not all bases apply to all programs).
                                             ensure that equal opportunity and                         (c) Combined guaranteed loan and                    Remedies and complaint filing
                                             nondiscrimination requirements are met                  grant applications that are awarded are               deadlines vary by program or incident.
                                             in accordance with the Equal Credit                     required to fulfill the reporting
                                             Opportunity Act, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq.                                                                          Persons with disabilities who require
                                                                                                     requirements as specified in 7 CFR
                                             and 7 CFR part 15d, Nondiscrimination                                                                         alternative means of communication for
                                                                                                     4280.165(f).
                                             in Programs and Activities Conducted                                                                          program information (e.g., Braille, large
                                                                                                       (d) Energy audit and renewable                      print, audiotape, American Sign
                                             by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
                                                                                                     energy development assistance grants                  Language, etc.) should contact the
                                             The Agency will not discriminate
                                                                                                     grant applications that are awarded are
                                             against applicants on the basis of race,                                                                      responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET
                                                                                                     required to fulfill the reporting
                                             color, religion, national origin, sex,                                                                        Center at (202) 720–2600 (voice and
                                                                                                     requirements as specified in 7 CFR
                                             marital status, or age (provided that the                                                                     TTY) or contact USDA through the
                                                                                                     4280.196.
                                             applicant has the capacity to contract);                                                                      Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.
                                             because all or part of the applicant’s                  VII. Federal Awarding Agency Contacts                 Additionally, program information may
                                             income derives from any public                                                                                be made available in languages other
                                             assistance program; or because the                         For further information contact the
                                                                                                                                                           than English.
                                             applicant has in good faith exercised                   applicable USDA Rural Development
                                                                                                     Energy Coordinator for your respective                  To file a program discrimination
                                             any right under the Consumer Credit
                                                                                                     State, as identified via the following                complaint, complete the USDA Program
                                             Protection Act, 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.
                                                                                                     link: http://www.rd.usda.gov/files/RBS_               Discrimination Complaint Form, AD–
                                                (2) Civil Rights Compliance.
                                                                                                     StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.                          3027, found online at http://
                                             Recipients of grants must comply with
                                                                                                        For information about this Notice,                 www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_
                                             the Americans with Disabilities Act of
                                                                                                     please contact Maureen Hessel,                        cust.html and at any USDA office or
                                             1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., Title VI
                                                                                                     Business Loan and Grant Analyst,                      write a letter addressed to USDA and
                                             of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C.
                                                                                                     USDA Rural Development, Energy                        provide in the letter all of the
                                             2000d et seq., and Section 504 of the
                                                                                                     Division, 1400 Independence Avenue                    information requested in the form. To
                                             Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C.
                                             794. This may include collection and                    SW, Stop 3225, Room 6866,                             request a copy of the complaint form,
                                             maintenance of data on the race, sex,                   Washington, DC 20250. Telephone:                      call (866) 632–9992. Submit your
                                             and national origin of the recipient’s                  (202) 401–0142. Email:                                completed form or letter to USDA by:
                                             membership/ownership and employees.                     maureen.hessel@wdc.usda.gov.                            (1) Mail: U.S. Department of
                                             These data must be available to conduct                 VIII. Other Information                               Agriculture, Office of the Assistant
                                             compliance reviews in accordance with                                                                         Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400
                                             7 CFR 1901.204.                                         A. Paperwork Reduction Act                            Independence Avenue SW, Washington,
                                                (3) Environmental Analysis.                             In accordance with the Paperwork                   DC 20250–9410;
                                             Environmental procedures and                            Reduction Act of 1995, the information                  (2) Fax: (202) 690–7442; or
                                             requirements for this subpart are                       collection requirements associated with
                                             specified in 7 CFR part 1970.                           renewable energy system and energy                      (3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
                                             Prospective applicants are advised to                   efficiency improvements grants and                      USDA is an equal opportunity
                                             contact the Agency to determine                         guaranteed loans, as covered in this                  provider, employer, and lender.
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                                             environmental requirements as soon as                   Notice, have been approved by the
                                                                                                                                                             Dated: March 7, 2018.
                                             practicable after they decide to pursue                 Office of Management and Budget
                                             any form of financial assistance directly               (OMB) under OMB Control Number                        Bette Brand,
                                             or indirectly available through the                     0570–0050. The information collection                 Administrator, Rural Business–Cooperative
                                             Agency.                                                 requirements associated with energy                   Service.
                                                (4) Appeals. A person may seek a                     audit and renewable energy                            [FR Doc. 2018–05008 Filed 3–12–18; 8:45 am]
                                             review of an Agency decision or appeal                  development assistance grants have also               BILLING CODE 3410–XY–P




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Document Created: 2018-03-13 01:56:43
Document Modified: 2018-03-13 01:56:43
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice.
DatesSee under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
ContactThe applicable USDA Rural Development Energy Coordinator for your respective State, as identified via the following link: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ RBS_StateEnergyCoordinators.pdf.
FR Citation83 FR 10829 

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